Shape Up Sister

Health surveys reveal that women from African and Caribbean origin in the UK are at an increased risk of obesity and obesity-related conditions such as high blood pressure and stroke.

Although there are many weight management programmes available in the UK, few specifically tailor the programmes towards the African and Caribbean culture. This is especially important as many weight management programmes discuss changes to diet and physical activity, which might vary between different ethnic groups.

Between 2007-2010, Weight Concern and researchers from University College London developed an online weight management intervention for black African and Caribbean women.

The website was developed with input from community groups, health professionals and experts in the field of obesity. Different sections of the website were dedicated to areas such as traditional foods and cooking, body image and increasing levels of physical activity.

Women were recruited from London boroughs to take part in the intervention, where they were given access to the website for 12 months, as well as being able to meet with other group members for support at regular intervals.